In 2014, the SVHEC, datacenter operators andMid-Atlantic Broadband, a Southern Virginia non-profit promoting economic development, started discussions about developing a cre- dential-based, short-term IT training programfor datacenter workers. Each partner commit- ted funds, equipment, and in-kind serviceswhich the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission (TRRC) matchedwith a grant. To properly launch the IT Academy, the SVHEC constructed amini datacenter, a repair spacewithworkbenches for hands-on training, a computer lab and classroomspace. In June 2015, Governor TerryMcAuliffe cut the ribbon on the IT Academy and by January 2016, the first IT Academy cohort completed their training. Thewidespread popularity of the IT Academy soon led to expansion of additional classroomspace, a second repair center, offices for IT staff and a presentation area. Operating out of three historically renovated buildings, two former tobaccowarehouses and one former textilemanufacturing factory, the SVHECnowserves anunduplicated student headcount of almost 1,600. Microsoft has generously provided equipment, offered programadvice and invested countless hours meeting and coaching students. In addition, theMicrosoft Scholars Programmakes it possible for students in under-represented groups to have access to the IT Academy program. Microsoft leaders have been clear that their interests are no longer solely to prepare datacenter workers, but also to trainworkers for all IT-related regional jobs, which are steadily growing. “We have learned and adjusted, andMicrosoft has beenwith us every step of the way” said Kelly Shotwell, IT Academy Director. IT Academy Curriculum IT Academy partners agreed that CompTIA’s vendor neutral credentialswere the best choice to prepare candidates for employment in SouthernVirginia’s datacenters. IT Academy instructors developed curricula around each of the three initial CompTIA certifications offered: A+, Server+, andNetwork+. Originally, the three CompTIA certificationswere “bundled” together in an ambitious 4-monthprogram. Itwas soon agreed that successwith theNetwork+ course required experience, and it became a standalone course. CompTIA Security+was soon added. Thanks to aMicrosoft grant, the IT Academywill add CompTIA IT Fundamentals+, Linux+, PenTest+, and Cloud+. Key to the curriculumdevelopmentwas creating hands-on labs to give students an opportunity to practice classroomconcepts. Fifty percent of IT Academy class-time involves hands-onpractice. Employability skills – soft skills – alsowere integrated into each course, providing studentswith resumewriting, interviewing, communications, and teambuilding skills. Students also participate inmini job fairs. The IT Academy Students The IT Academy has a considerably diverse student base. Muchof this diversity canbe credit- ed to theMicrosoft Scholars Programwhichmakes it possible for under-represented groups tohave access to IT Academy courses. Students come fromall walks of life. Career changers and learnerswith advanced college degrees, sit side-by-sidewith recent high school gradu- ates. And it is not unusual tohave parents and children taking courses together. In addition, IT professionals seeking professional development and certifications to advance their IT ca- reers are turning to the IT Academy. Kelly Shotwell reports students have ranged in age from 18-60. “We have observed each cohort build strong camaraderie. The studentsmake friends and support one another as theywork towards the common goal of becoming certified.” In 2017, the IT Academy entered into articulation agreements with the SVHEC’s two community college partners, making it easier for IT Academy students to continue their studies at either of the two colleges. Under the agreement, IT Academy students who successfully earn CompTIA A+, Server+, Network+ or Security+ certifications receive credit that applies directly to community college IT programs. In addition, the IT Academy has
“CompTIA is an important partner for theMicrosoft Datacenter Academyprogram, which develops IT skills for the communityworkforce in locations whereMicrosoft operates datacenters. Skills learned through the CompTIA curriculumprepare workers for jobs in the digital economy, including working in a Microsoft datacenter.” – Utaukwa Allen , Senior Director, Microsoft Datacenter Community Development
Powered by FlippingBook